14 replies to this topic

[Forte]

All of us are quite familiar with our keyboards, some of us more than others, of course, but for the most of us, there are two keys on it that we've found no use for, nor can we even begin to find it. These two keys are (at least, on American keyboards) the Scroll Lock key, and the Pause Break key.

Let's start with Scroll Lock. Scroll Lock is a remnant of earlier computers and their programs, providing a way to lock all scrolling functions in a given program, mostly for convenience, especially with the Arrow Keys. It has a status light associated with it, just like the more important and frequently used Caps Lock and Number Lock keys, which on most keyboards is the one on the farthest right. Usage for the key has gone down over the years, as currently the only programs that truly give it any functionality are Microsoft Excel and FL Studio. It has other uses, aside from its original function to lock the scroll feature, playing a part in voice recognition software in the Opera web browser, and in DOS it will pause the screen, ironically, just like the Pause Break.

Pause Break has its roots in extremely old technology, as it was originally a function on telegraph machines, in which it would pause, or break, the signal, indicating that the operator was about to begin transmission of information, or the line was down. Teletype procedures called for the continuation of this function, but as time went on, the use dwindled to almost nothing. Pause Break will now, in some programs, pause the loading of the program. Otherwise, it's completely useless in modern day applications.

[iGuest]

Lotus NotesWhat Are The Pause Break And Scroll Lock Keys?

The Ctrl+Break keyboard combination is extremely useful in Lotus Notes - it will interrupt the program during most processes, which can be handy if something is taking way too long or a server is not responding.

-reply by Scott Petricig

[iGuest]

System PropertiesWhat Are The Pause Break And Scroll Lock Keys?

I agree the keys are a remnant of old technology but that doesn't mean they are useless.For example the PauseBreak key has been re-purposed by Microsoft. It is used with the Windows key (Window+Break) as a shortcut to call up the System Properties dialog.  As a system integrator and troubleshooter this is an invaluable key combo for me, as it works across Windows versions.

[iGuest]

I use the Break keys dozens of times a day. Ctrl-Alt-Break is extremely useful when using RDP, which switches the client between a window and full screen.

-reply by Richard Willis

[hype]

Ctrl+Break is quite useful for programmings and debuggers using IDE that enables you to stop processes with the break button. I've used it alot in mIRC scripting and some other programs. However scroll key have much lesser usage for me and I don't usually have a need for it. I love scrolling

[dolrich06]

I always use break when using command prompt, like when I executed commands that I want to stop.
It is also very helpful when coding in C or any other program which outputs using command prompt, when I executed endless loop, CTRL+BREAK is a handy...

I never find any use on Scroll lock though...

[stopthewarm]

Well you could have bet on it with me. I have nowadays learnt how to make infinte loops on c++ and it is so fun. Well in that if i want to stop a loop that is an infinite one we select pause break or maybe ctrl + pause break. Um i don't know i do it unconsciously. Well, the finction of scroll break i didnt understand now also. I think they should remove these two buttons and add some more nice ones like a direct shutdown one and maybe a a button with a more frequently used and typed word.

[FouGilang]

you bet!
I've forgotten them both until you showed em now

But, hey, how to use scroll lock in opera voice recognition like you said?

[fermin25]

The pause breack is a scroll lock key and they are designed to the old computers when you can print the documents only pushing the Print button. These buttons have some function today for example when you download a screen capturer they use the Print button to capture a part of your screen and save it like an image. But the use of this button is falling since the mouse is in the scene. So they are not unuseless only that their use is falling now and in some keyword they look different and in different position.

So that is a short story about this buttons.

[iGuest]

Pause Break usesWhat Are The Pause Break And Scroll Lock Keys?

Like the guy above mentioned - Windows Key + Break brings up System Properties, which is an awesome shortcut.

 

Most KVM switches that I've had use the Scroll lock key (sometimes Scroll Lock x 2 or Scroll Lock + a number) to cycle between the various computers connected to the KVM.  

 

I guess it's nice having "spare" keys around that can be repurposed for random tasks.   I just love keyboard shortcuts, but many people aren't even aware that they exist.

-reply by Scott